1999 Derry Diary #1 June 27th-28th

'Departures and Arrivals'
United Flight 930 leaves SFO almost on time with 10 people headed for Derry in Northern Ireland. 10 people whom, after only two overnights together, are commissioned as ambassadors of the United States and of their school, St. Ignatius College Prep, to live, sleep, work, cook and pray with each other over the course of the next few weeks. A challenge that some teenagers{mosimage} would not take because it is too 'inconvenient' or they have something else to do that is far more important at the time. Teens are great creatures of creation, because of their boundless energy and enthusiasm. For me, their teacher-leader-counselor, it is a joy to work with them. It keeps me from becoming too old, or too tired, or too 'what-shall-I-wear-in-the-home-to-BINGO-today' mode.

My partner this year is Sarah, also an enthusiastic energy pit of sunshine. Her shoulders will help carry this Derry 2001 to a different level. She has been my guide. I need to tell you here, that Brian's death last January affected not only the way I view my teaching but also how I viewed coming back to Derry. His insight and light last summer (Derry Diaries 2000) made the trip for all of us. Lots of memories and lots of pain at losing such a young man as he. He is on this trip with us in spirit and has pushed me to get packed, to get going, I think that he may be talking through Sarah.

Have you ever been on a plane going east and never see the sun set? It was strange but that is exactly what happened on this United flight to Heathrow. It never set! It has happened going west, but never east. We left SFO at 12.20 PM and arrived at 6.04 am London time. Everytime I tried to grab a nap, the damn cart would hit me in the knee with the promise of water, and more water and, water. I imagine that the 'steward' was just doing his job, but I have black and blue marks on my knee. I also got burned on my arm from coffee during a turbulence period. The stewardess tried to bribe me with a bottle of wine, but I'd rather sue…much more fun don't you think? Just a hint to the friendly skies, take a page from American, make more room. Curtains to shield each class from each other separated the cabin. The captain told us over the intercom that the reason for this was that it could cause "less congestion" to the bathrooms. You and I both know that what he really wanted to say was "use your own damn bathrooms, you riff-raff…" And as you have read above, after all that water, I did have to use the bathroom….but I stayed in steerage like a good peasant….power to the people…power to the bladder!

We arrived in Derry via Belfast, around 12.30pm and were met by James and Bean (Darren). Our half ton of luggage also arrived, and at the same time…not one was lost…Jamie lost the bet. The kids were zombies from the planet zomb. Walking through the store picking up food for dinner, all of them had glazed looks and walked as if in a trance. It was decided that a {mosimage}nap was in order. We returned to the Stardust (the place we call home) and the kids took an hour and a half nap. Five minutes after they woke up, the Irish dancing lessons started in the room above them. 10,000 little feet going tippy-tap in unison. It was a good idea that they took a nap when they did.

Mrs. Carr (James' mom) made us Irish stew which we scarffed down as fast as it was put on the plate. It was delicious…hit the spot. At about 8.30 we, the group, James and Darren hit the road to seek out ice cream and a walk on the Derry walls. From the vantagepoint of the walls we can see the Bogside, Brandywell and Creggan districts. This pointing out the neighborhoods will become important on our last night in Derry.

Highlight of tomorrow………….SHOWERS.

Friday and Saturday’s Diary (written on Saturday nite will arrive to you on Monday…you follow that?

More, later

Blackshade